As a freelance writer, you enjoy the liberty of working from anywhere and anytime, but it can get lonely sometimes.
Amidst the apps, software, writing tasks, and projects, it’s easy to get disconnected from the outside world due to little or no social interactions.
If care is not taken, it can lead to a lack of motivation, an increased risk of anxiety, and even mental health issues. It can also impact the quality of your work and strain your relationships.
Therefore, understanding how to battle loneliness as a freelance writer is essential because it can affect your career and well-being. Read on to learn how to have companionship even when you work alone.
9 Ways to Battle Loneliness as a Freelance Writer
1. Establish a Routine
The flexibility of a freelance writer can be a burden if you don’t have a structure. Though you work from home or elsewhere, you need a routine like everyone else.
If you don’t have one, you can set specific work hours. A daily plan, along with your working hours, will help you stay organised.
Don’t forget to add breaks to your schedule; they could be time for coffee breaks, walking your dog, or social interactions.
You’ll also need a designated workspace to keep you in work mode; this could be a separate room or a corner of a room. That way, when you’re in other areas of the house, you can be really out of work mode.
Also Read: Effective Ways to Organise Your Day as a Writer
2. Connect with Other Freelancers
We are social beings, and so we need each other to thrive. Because you work alone, you’ll need moral boosters to support you. You can find them in online communities or forums for freelance writers.
However, joining these groups is not enough; you should participate by engaging in discussions.
Similarly, you can attend networking events or workshops that are writing-related. You might get to collaborate on projects with other freelancers and industry professionals. This is good for social interactions and can also boost your career.
In addition, you can seek out mentorship or coaching opportunities; it’s an excellent way to learn and share your knowledge and expertise.
3. Stay Connected to Friends and Family
If you’re asked why you chose to be a freelance writer, I’ll bet staying in touch with your loved ones would top the list.
Sometimes, along the way, this might not end up being your reality. But with proper planning, it can.
You can do this by scheduling regular outings with your friends and family or phone calls or video chats. That’s why having a daily routine is important. If you already have a schedule and a daily routine, you’ll know when you’ll have free time and can organise meet-ups in those free times.
Your close circle is important, so you need to stay connected to maintain relationships.
4. Utilise Technology for Connection
Technology has boosted freelancing and helps build connections if used well.
Firstly, it’s a good way to connect with friends and family if you can’t meet in person. It’s also great for making new connections, especially with other writers.
For instance, you can participate in virtual online writing groups and critique sessions. There are several social media sites for this, and apart from socialising, it’s great mental exercise.
Outside technology, you can also consider a change of environment. Think about using coworking spaces or shared workspaces. This will give you a different feeling than in your usual working area.
Also Read: Best Social Networking Sites for Writers
5. Take Care of Your Physical Health
It’s a fact that sitting for long hours at work isn’t good for your health. However, writers are known to sit for long hours because of the nature of the job. So, you need to be deliberate about leading a more active lifestyle.
A good way is to exercise regularly. It’s good for your health and boosts your mood and energy levels. Likewise, in between your tasks, take stretching breaks and give your back, legs, and hands some rest.
Also, resist the urge to open your laptop late at night; it will stop you from getting enough sleep and can cause fatigue.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care
Being alert is an excellent way to battle loneliness as a freelance writer. Because you have to deal with multiple projects and unending deadlines, it’s easy to get burned out.
Make sure to prioritise self-care; it will reduce stress, and your body will thank you. You don’t have to do too much; it could be meditation or other relaxation techniques such as yoga, massage, and aromatherapy.
In addition, you can engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment outside of work. This could be swimming, going for a walk, or other interests.
7. Set Boundaries with Work
It’s often challenging to set work boundaries as a freelance writer. For instance, while having lunch, you can decide to take a glance at your laptop. That glance can take up your lunchtime and an hour extra. This is why defining your work hours is essential.
Adhering to your work schedule will help you stay focused and productive. While working, you must limit all forms of distraction, such as notifications from your mobile devices or an interesting scene outside your window.
That way, you can accomplish work within your working hours and not let it spill over to time for other things.
Importantly, avoid overbooking yourself. Making money is necessary, but you must avoid being overbooked to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Also Read: Different Ways to Make Money as a Writer
8. Explore New Opportunities
Repetitive tasks often get boring, and if you find yourself in this stage, you can spice things up by exploring new tasks.
These can be new ideas and methods that you can use to perform your writing tasks. For instance, you can try experimenting with different writing styles or genres. Or consider taking up a different project from what you usually do.
Furthermore, you can pursue development opportunities to expand your skills; we all need this. You can also volunteer or participate in local events unrelated to writing; it can give you a sense of purpose, and you’ll learn new skills.
9. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you struggle with loneliness and it’s affecting your mind, seeking help from a therapist or counsellor is always an option. They will be able to determine if you’ve got other underlying issues.
Furthermore, you can consider joining a support group for people experiencing loneliness.
Stay Cheerful
Loneliness can impact your productivity and well-being, but you can overcome it with the abovementioned strategies. To get the most out of this approach, you’ll need to make bold moves towards addressing loneliness in your freelance writing career.
Also Read: How to Stay Productive as a Freelance Writer
